United Women’s Lacrosse League Inaugural Season Opener

Long Island Sound Earn Win v. Baltimore Ride (John Strohsacker/LaxPhotos.com)

On Saturday afternoon history was made as the United Women’s Lacrosse League (UWLX) officially began its inaugural regular season at Lehigh University. On a beautiful day in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, four teams gave fans an exciting glimpse into the future of the league.

The opening weekend taking place in the midst of the NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Final Four and National Championship allowed fans to see the collegiate National semifinals on Friday, UWLX action Saturday, then the National Championship on Sunday! One epic weekend for lacrosse!

Long Island Sound defeat Baltimore Ride 13-12

For the first time ever, a women’s professional lacrosse league became a reality as the four inaugural teams in the UWLX took the field at Lehigh University on Saturday. In the first game, the Baltimore Ride and Long Island Sound put on a display for fans that they would remember forever. Ride attacker, Beth Glaros, tallied the first goal in league history and gave Baltimore an offensive lift scoring four total goals in the matchup. The Ride took a 7-6 lead into the half but Long Island continued to battle back.

Lindsay Scott, who just completed her final year at Hofstra under head coach Shannon Smith, had quite the game for the Sound. Her four goals led the team but none was more important than the eventual game-winning goal with 40 seconds remaining. Goalie Devon Wills also played really well in net; saving a late opportunity from Baltimore as the final horn sounded to preserve the first ever win in UWLX history.

Boston Storm defeat Philadelphia Force on Opening Weekend (John Strohsacker/LaxPhotos.com)

Boston Storm defeat Philadelphia Force 16-8

In game two of the historical launch to the UWLX season, the hometown Philadelphia Force took on the Boston Storm in the nightcap. Boston used a strong second half to close out a 16-8 victory in their first action of the summer. Danielle Spencer scored four goals including a two point conversation which gives her a league leading five points to carry the Storm offense.

Boston and Philly exchanged scores to open the game with the Force taking a 6-5 lead after Katie Webster put the Force ahead. Boston would respond with a 4-0 run to take the 9-6 halftime lead. The Storm made some key adjustments at the half that cleaned up the defense and led to a 7-2 run to close out the game against the Force. Kailah Kempney added four goals for Boston while Liz Hogan made nine saves in net to give the Storm their first win of the year.

The league which implemented some rule changes that differ from the NCAA including a 90 second play clock to help play fluidity, saw the benefit in the action this weekend. It was an amazing weekend for lacrosse and with the NCAA tournament coming to an end more eyes will be on the United Women's Lacrosse League.

Follow Luis Sanchez on Twitter @Luis_MyW